In this episode of Adversity to Inspiration: The JTD Coaches Me Podcast, Joann Tierney-Daniels, has a conversation with author Matthew Bocchi. Matthew's book, Sway, is the first memoir published by a surviving child of a 9/11 victim.
Matthew's father, John Bocchi, worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. Tragically, he was in his office on September 11, 2001, and didn't make it out alive that day.
After his father's death, nine-year-old Matthew began an obsessive quest to determine exactly how John died. He researched videotapes, pictures, blogs, anything that could potentially answer the question looming in his mind, did his father jump from the towers?
Matthew intimately delves into the psychological and emotional torment that ensued after his father’s death. With heartbreaking vulnerability, Matthew details how he was groomed and sexually assaulted by an uncle. Confused, betrayed, and grieving the loss of his father and his innocence, Matthew spiraled down a bottomless pit of drug abuse, willfully risking his life over and over in search of the next high trying in vain to forget the past.
Now, at twenty-nine years old, Matthew is sober and sharing his story to help others overcome their grief and the stigma associated with sexual abuse. Ultimately, Matthew's story is one of resiliency, triumph, happiness, and hope. Matthew's message is clear, no matter how far you fall, you can always rise again.
To learn more about Joann Tierney-Daniels, visit https://www.jtdcoachesme.com. You can find additional information about Matthew Bocchi and his book, Sway, at https://www.simonandshuster.com/books/Sway/Matthew-John-Bocchi/9781642936407 and on Instagram at @mattyboch.